How to Pick the Right White Paint From Houzz

White is White, Right? Not Quite. See 8 Paint Picks for 8 Very Different Effects

I have to admit that I don’t have a single white room in my home. However, I’ve had first-hand experience with the challenges of selecting white paint: When my husband I put our previous home up for sale, we decided to repaint the entire house white, and we allowed the contractor to choose the paint. After all, white is white…right? Wrong! After the painting was completed, I walked into the house and almost grabbed my sunglasses. I was shocked at how bright the walls looked. That’s when I truly understood that white can be as vivid (or soft) as any other color. White also has a variety of undertones and tints, making the selection process somewhat tricky. As a color consultant, I thrive in colorfully painted spaces, but I realize that many people enjoy the simplicity of white rooms. So, here are some tips for picking the right white paint.

1. Creamy white. A white bedroom can be a very relaxing haven. For best results, use a few different tones of white and layer them in the space. In this bedroom, creamy white walls are combined with crisp white curtains and ivory colored bedding. This type of variation will prevent your space from looking too stark.

2. Cool white. In this space, the cool white walls perfectly match the white furniture and window treatments. This creates a serene, homogenous space that has very little contrast and/or distraction. Cool, pure whites work well in contemporary spaces because they provide a feeling of newness.

3. Soft white. Pairing white with black creates a very elegant, Art Deco feel. Even with so much contrast, this look is still a blank canvas for adding any other color. To lessen the drama, choose a slightly-softer white. In this space, you see how the wall color is a bit more toned down as compared to the crisp white trim and doors.

4. Snow white. A very classic way to treat wainscoting is to paint it with a glossy, snow white paint color. This look also works great in a more contemporary space, as shown here. The same tone of white is seen on both the furniture and wainscoting, which creates a harmonious look.

5. Antique white. For a more traditional space, antique whites work best because they provide a lived-in feel to a room. In dining areas, this shade of vanilla is a great choice because it’s considered a ‘delicious’ color.

6. Ivory white. Many people like the look of white cabinetry in the kitchen, but they don’t want the space to appear too cold. In this case, look for a white that has a slight ivory undertone. You can also add warmth to your kitchen with wood flooring, and by using clear halogen lighting.